Join us at Laurier

Becoming a Golden Hawk means more than just cheering on our (really good) varsity teams – it means being a student who cares about your community, who works hard in the classroom, and who takes advantage of all the learning opportunities that can happen outside the classroom, too.

Dave O'Neill

Drums, Vibraphone, Percussion and Ensembles Instructor, Beckett School at Laurier

Research / Areas of Expertise

music composition

music theory

improvisation

music of Brazil and Cuba

Biography / Academic Background

I hold a Bachelor of Education (BEd) and a Bachelor of Music (BMus) in Jazz Performance from the University of Toronto. I also hold a Diploma in Music from Mohawk College.

I am a performer and educator of all things musical. I have performed at numerous venues, music festivals, theatre productions, conducted clinics, workshops and motivational speaking events. As a performer, I have toured Eastern Canada and parts of the United States. I also have extensive experience in the recording studio.

I work as an accompanist for modern dance performances. In this role I have supported David Earle, Suzette Sherman, Kate Alton, Kenny Pearl, Helen Jones and Robert Desrosier. I also accompany the modern dance program at Eastwood Collegiate Institute under Jill Dolishny.

I have been teaching privately for the last 33 years, and spent four years as a part-time faculty member at Mohawk College. I am also a supply teacher for the Waterloo Region District School Board.

At the age of 16, I lost the fingers on my right hand in a work place accident. All that I have achieved is despite this life-changing event.